A Story in Miniature - 2025 writing competition

What could a story in miniature be...?
 

  
 


About the competition

The 2025 VATE writing competition is now open! This year's theme is 'A Story in Miniature' and we are seeking short, sharp and polished tiny tales of up to 500 words.
Entry is free and open to schools with 2025 VATE membership. Each school may submit up to five entries in each category: 
  • Years 7 and 8 students
  • Years 9 and 10 students
  • Years 11 and 12 students
  • Teachers
     

The competition is open from Monday 25 July 2025 to Friday 19 September 2025 (last entry by 4pm).

Click here to download an entry form. Click here to view the terms and conditions.
 

  
 


Terms and conditions of entry

Entries must include a completed entry form confirming the writer's agreement to the terms and conditions of the competition. Click here to download an entry form. Click here to view the terms and conditions. Entries without a completed entry form will not be considered. Submissions should be emailed to: writingcompetition@vate.org.au.
 

Prizes

A $150 book voucher, book package and certificate will be awarded to the winner in each category. Highly commended stories will receive a book package and certificate from our competition supporters. Winning stories will be published in Idiom. All winning and highly commended stories will be published on the VATE website.

 

Judging

One winning and two highly commended entries will be awarded in each category. All entries to the competition will be read by Emma Jenkins, VATE Education Officer, and a shortlist will be determined. Author Averil Robertson will judge the shortlisted entries.